Shillong, Apr 27:Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Lahkmen Rymbui stated today that the state government and its disaster management teams are fully equipped to handle emergency situations across Meghalaya.
Meghalaya is facing a sustained period of severe wet weather, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting several days of heavy rain across the state.
While Rymbui admitted that he did not yet have a comprehensive report on rainfall levels across the state, he confirmed that teams from the subdivisions and districts have been alerted to remain on standby for any developing situation.
He explained that powers have been devolved to the district and subdivisional levels to better and more quickly cope with issues locally instead of waiting for the state government to intervene.
“The District Magistrate is fully empowered to look into all the issues related to the district, so it is not for us at the state level to see those things. We have empowered the District Magistrate to do the needful,” Rymbui said, adding that local administrations can request additional support from the government if there is a shortfall in funding or manpower, etc.
He further reassured the public that the state possesses sufficient manpower and machinery, with personnel from the Home Guard, police and Fire and Emergency Services currently on high alert.
Rymbui also said that management involves more than just reacting to weather patterns.
“When we talk about disaster it’s not only because of rain we have to see whether this wall or hill is stable or not or whether deforestation affects the management of the disaster. It is a combination of everything,” he explained, adding that the state must remain vigilant against earthquakes, man-made incidents and accidents.
Regarding the Shillong-Dawki road project, Rymbui expressed hope that improved coordination between district authorities and implementing agencies would help manage ongoing crises along the stretch. Recently a rock fall along the route led to the deaths of two individuals and these were not the first fatalities during the ongoing roadworks.
While he voiced satisfaction with the state’s efforts to complete the road, he expressed deep regret over the loss of life during construction.
“But since disasters occurred, I am very sad that such incidents happen. Let’s hope that all the implementing agencies and the government should take note that such things should not occur while implementing any other projects in the state,” he said.
